HAMLET — Two gunmen walked into a school Wednesday morning and opened fire.
Frightened students dropped to the floor, screaming and flipping over tables to act as a barrier to the barrage of gunfire as the teacher ran and hid in a closet to call 911.
The shooters continued their assault until law enforcement arrived and took them both out before making sure the rest of the building was clear and giving the go-ahead to medical personnel.
That was the scenario nursing and EMS students at Richmond Community College had to deal with during the annual disaster drill at the former Sandhills Regional Medical Center.
Prior to the shooting, the volunteer mock victims were given cards detailing the extent of their injuries and other information.
While attending to the wounded, the students checked the cards to determine which patients needed critical care. Some were carried out on sheets and at least one was strapped to a spine board.
The drill, which has been going on for more than a decade, helps prepare the students for dealing with mass casualties.
Last year’s scenario was a high-speed chase that turned into a wreck with a contamination issue.
“This year I wanted to have something that we hear about all the time but never think it will happen to us,” said RichmondCC Nursing Director Dana Quick. “I want these students to be prepared for the worst.”
Prior to simulation, a medical chopper from Cape Fear Valley Health landed on the helipad, with students having the opportunity to sit inside and ask questions.
